A Friday Note - 17 November 2017

ROAD SAFETY FOCUS

Each week we note the tragic toll road accidents take on our community in this Friday Note.

As of midnight on Thursday, November 16 there had been 87 fatalities on South Australian roads so far this year.

A new focus is required to address our currently unacceptably high road toll. I have tasked Gabby O'Neill, with the position of General Manager, Road Safety to work with Fiona Cartwright and teams on designing a fresh approach on how to embed safe systems across new capital investment and upgrades to road infrastructure, better understand driving behaviours, type and vehicle use and that old chestnut - speed, to achieve our goal of zero together. These efforts will leverage the expertise, experience and commitment of our staff already working to improve road safety outcomes.

To allow the necessary attention on road safety I have asked Ben Seidel to take on the role of General Manager, People and Performance. Ben intends to apply his passion for recruitment and staff development with his strong understanding of governance and process to drive further value across the department.

Gabby and Ben will officially start in these roles on Monday 4 December.

A big thank you to Gabby for the leadership that she has shown in the establishment and management of the People and Performance section over the past few years. Thanks also to Ben for his contribution to the Risk and Assurance and Finance functions. Emma Cavaggion will continue to act in the role of Manager, Risk and Assurance and Damien Anderson will take on the role of Chief Finance Officer until Bill Cagialis returns in late January.

INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM

This week we have had a run of issues to deal with - just like any other transport agency in any part of the world.

In Adelaide these issues are elevated quickly notwithstanding the biggest infrastructure program in the State’s history that will revolutionise the place.

There has been criticism of our work on some major rail projects.

Here it took just 19 days, seven days less than scheduled, to replace the tram tracks in Glenelg and just two weeks to install rail on North Terrace for the tram extension. Let’s not forget the successful installation of the rail overpass completed in only three weeks in January this year as part of the Torrens Road to River Torrens Project.

I am incredibly proud of the people who work with me and with our community.

To my staff: keep at it. Fair criticism lands at my door and I will redouble my efforts accordingly for my staff and my community. I am confident that the results will be outstanding.

This is a department determined to make a positive difference to every South Australian. We don’t get it right every time but we are trying with every fibre in our bodies. There is a lot of pride in what we are delivering and the great things happening.

COMMENDATIONS

Well done to Rocky Caruso and Frank Daniele for their oversight and coordination of staff which helped lead to the arrest of two offenders involved in serious incidents on our train network.

The health and safety of staff and customers on the public transport system is of the utmost importance and the collaboration between our staff, Wilson’s security and SAPOL led to the relevant individuals being detained and arrested.

NORTHERN CONNECTOR

The Northern Connector Project continues to deliver for local businesses and workers with the completion of a concrete batching plant.

The plant will generate the majority of the 223,000 cubic metres of concrete required for the project and create at least 40 extra jobs and contribute an estimated additional $11 million to local industry.

LUNCH ‘N LEARN

In the lead-up to White Ribbon Day, DPTI has invited Converge International, Victim Support Service and Women’s Safety Services SA to speak about how they support those affected directly or indirectly by domestic or family violence.